Rodent Control Tips Provided By Wyckoff Health Board

WYCKOFF, NJ — In response to public complaints of rats in the area, the Wyckoff Board of Health has provided notice to neighbors of rodent control tips.

Rats were recently reported in the areas of Wood and Harding Streets, and Shadyside and Colonial Drives.

Just last week, board President Dr. Steven Clarke, along with Mayor Rudolf Boonstra, released a video discussing how to take action to alleviate the issue.

Rodent control, the notice said, should include removal of food, water and harborage needed for the rats to breed.

In the notice, the following tips were provided:

1. Regularly inspect property for signs of rodent activity

2. Keep yard free of trash, debris or high grass. If materials or equipment outside must be stored outside, do so neatly. Organizing and / or elevating stored items helps reduce harborage and allows inspection under and around them more easily.

3. Eliminate food sources (barbecue grease; gardens; pet food; dog droppings; open garbage cans, cans without tight-fitting lids, or bags or garbage; bird feeders, bird seed or food scraps. Also, avoid food composting.

4. Eliminate water sources. (Dump pails, unused flowerpots, or toys or equipment in which water can accumulate).

5. Protect the home. (Close any holes found in the house's foundation, and eliminate cavities under steps, sidewalks, sheds, porches or elsewhere).

6. Seek the knowledge of a professional pest control operator, if necessary.